Encouraging Workplace Safety on International Women's Day by Howden
Revised Article:
Hey there! Let's chat about Howden's take on International Women's Day and the crucial role businesses play in preventing sexual harassment.
When the clock struck 2025 on International Women's Day, Howden called upon companies to rev up the action by giving social safety at work a top priority. They want work spaces where women feel respected, supported, and empowered to shine.
The hard truth? More than half of ladies have experienced workplace sexual harassment, and the domino effect of domestic abuse is pretty daunting. That's why Howden's pushing corporations to step up.
Cheryl Brennan, the MD of Howden Employee Benefits, is leading the charge. She emphasizes that companies need to put safety at the heart of their culture, and training and education are key to making that happen. Your bosses, colleagues, and even bystanders should know how to spot the signs of abuse and offer help when needed. Think of it like how menopause support has become today's office norm—we need the same vibe when it comes to preventing harassment and aiding those affected by domestic abuse.
Here are Cheryl's suggestions for businesses stepping up their game:
- Make safety and inclusivity a driving force in your company culture
- Get the word out about internal and external support services. Let's say you're wandering the streets of London after an event—services like Safe Havens, safe walking routes, and taxi marshals can make all the difference between a safe journey home or a nightmare—but only if employees are in the know and can access these services when they need them most.
- Offer anonymous reporting platforms and dedicated HR contacts so employees can voice their concerns without fear.
- Support employees beyond the workplace, realizing that domestic abuse can impact work performance.
- Train managers to identify signs of abuse or harassment and provide the right support.
- Link up with the Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) to team up with other organizations and share success stories.
When businesses foster a safer work environment, they bring together stronger, more diverse teams where everyone can thrive.
Fun fact: Last September, Howden hosted the "Our Safer City - Partnership to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls" event at their City of London digs.
Sources:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), "Workplace Safety and Health: Preventing Harassment and Violence," 2017.
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), "Workplace Harassment: How to Recognize It, Prevent It, and Respond to It," 2020.
- Law Squared, "Psypchosocial Risk Management: A Guide for Employers," 2022.
- In line with Howden's call to action on International Women's Day, it's essential for businesses to prioritize health-and-wellness, actively addressing workplace issues such as sexual harassment, to create a workplace-wellness culture where every woman feels respected, supported, and safe.
- As part of their commitment to women's health, corporations can adopt measures such as offering anonymous reporting platforms, providing training for managers, and supporting employees beyond the workplace, as outlined by Cheryl Brennan of Howden Employee Benefits, to foster a safer work environment that encourages diversity and promotes the thriving of all employees.
